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      Inside Man Utd’s disastrous summer transfer window with £172m of CURSED talent hit by injuries and poor form

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      MANCHESTER UNITED were supposed to be turning a page this summer with the arrival of Ineos and Sir Jim Ratcliffe.After a decade of mediocrity, top football decision-makers were appointed into key positions while bold plans for the development of club facilities including Old Trafford were announced.Man Utd’s new stars have been cursed by injuries and poor formCredit: GettyTeen star Leny Yoro was ruled out for at least three months in pre-seasonCredit: RexOther stars such as Matthijs de Ligt have been dogged by poor form as they try to adaptCredit: GettyWhile Manuel Ugarte is the latest of them to suffer an injury setbackCredit: GettyHuge investment was made into the squad, with a long-term plan in mind and with “Project 150” – a plan to win the league by 2028 to celebrate the club’s 150th birthday – being laid down.However, the five players who arrived at the club this summer seem to have been afflicted by the United curse, with injuries and poor form plaguing the £172million buys.The quintet of Leny Yoro, Joshua Zirkzee, Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui and Manuel Ugarte were backed to help transform Erik ten Hag’s team by strengthening a number of key areas.But disaster struck in pre-season as teen sensation Yoro was ruled out for at least three months after fracturing his metatarsal, while Zikrzee, 24, arrived off the back of the Euros and did not join full training immediately.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe Dutch ace managed to climb off the bench to score the winner against Fulham on the opening weekend, but he has struggled to get up to speed and has yet to score again.De Ligt and Mazraoui both arrived from Bayern Munich in what many thought was a fairly shrewd double-deal.However, a solid start for De Ligt, 25, quickly transformed into him looking out of his depth in the Premier League – so much so he was dropped for Harry Maguire in their most recent match against Aston Villa.Meanwhile, Mazraoui, 26, has generally been consistent, but he was hit with an injury of his own and is out for the next three weeks after undergoing a procedure following heart palpitations.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe final signing, Ugarte, endured an underwhelming start to life in England and was an unused sub in the 0-0 draw at Villa, and that was before he was hit by his own injury blow while on international duty.A report highlighted by Henry Winter said United had 75 injuries last season, a fact bemoaned by Ten Hag given his inability to maintain a stable defence.Hilarious moment Man Utd and England ace Kobbie Mainoo MOCKS injured team-mate Leny Yoro as he struggles to get into carThis figure was just one behind Newcastle on 76, but no club suffered a greater financial cost with their injuries, with the Red Devils losing £33.1m in wages.That same curse seems to once again be threatening to distort their season, though it would do nothing to cover the poor performances seen against the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham when a near full-strength side was fielded.Two wins from seven league games has seen United make their worst-ever start to a Premier League season, while they are also winless from two games in the Europa League.Man Utd host Brentford at Old Trafford next, and the players will know the fans are desperate for the sweet taste of victory – having not won a game for a month.How badly they could do with some of their new signings stepping up. More

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      Why Cole Palmer has fewer touches but is more deadly as Maresca’s Chelsea tactics make the most of his talismanic star

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      COLE PALMER is averaging fewer touches this season.But the good news for Chelsea fans is he’s become even more deadly.Cole Palmer is even more efficient this season for ChelseaCredit: GettyThe star scored four goals against Brighton including this free-kickCredit: GettyAnd that is thanks to Enzo Maresca’s tactical tweak. Palmer enjoyed a stunning debut season at Stamford Bridge, thriving on a free role on the right under Mauricio Pochettino and was crowned PFA Young Player of the Year.He racked up a staggering 22 goals and 11 assists in his 33 Premier League appearances and did so with 65 touches per 90 minutes of action.However, this term under new boss Maresca his stats are even better. READ MORE ON CHELSEAPalmer has already racked up six goals and five assists from 596 minutes spanning seven games – at an average of just 57 touches per 90 minutes. In fact, Palmer boasts a whopping 44 Premier League goal involvements since the start of last season – two more than Erling Haaland. The numbers work out as a goal involvement every 54 minutes in 2024-25 compared to every 79 minutes in 2023-24.Of course, those numbers are boosted by his incredible four-goals-in-20-minutes blitz against Brighton in September. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd the reason behind the emphatic boost is because Palmer has been moved to playing more centrally as a No10 with Noni Madueke and Jadon Sancho the regulars out wide in the current Chelsea starting XI.That has enabled the England international to roam in the middle of the pitch and still drift wider – rather than trying to come in off the wing and find himself wrestling with team-mates for space. How to cure England’s Bellingham, Foden and Palmer headacheAt times he does drop deep but Palmer prefers to find square pockets between midfielders and defenders to receive the ball and cause damage – either shooting at goal or creating chances for his fellow forwards. Maresca, who coached Palmer at Manchester City, is relishing working with the star again – and is certainly getting the best out of him.The Italian explained to the Chelsea website: “He can play in different positions for us because he is so good on the ball. “He can play wide, in the middle, as a nine.“We try to use him in one position at the moment in the middle of the pitch.”But it depends a little bit on the game plan we have and sometimes we move him wide a little bit like he did many times against Brighton. READ MORE SUN STORIES”We try to give him the opportunity to enjoy his football because, with him, that is the main thing.”And after struggling to get into the game when played back in his old wide position for England in the Nations League, Palmer, Maresca and Chelsea fans will be desperate to see him back in the No10 when the Blues head to Anfield to take on Liverpool on Sunday. Palmer operates centrally with Jadon Sancho and Noni Madueke either sideCredit: PA More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo ‘chased for half a MILE by kids running after his car’ then hailed for classy gesture to them

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO was praised for his classy reaction to fans after being chased for half a mile in Glasgow.The Portuguese icon, 39, was furious at full-time on Tuesday night as his country were held to a goalless draw by Scotland at Hampden Park.Cristiano Ronaldo was praised for being ‘charming’ after Portugal’s draw with ScotlandCredit: RexHe gestured to the crowd and stormed down the tunnel on a frustrating evening for Roberto Martinez’s side.But after the match he was in a more relaxed mood, according to broadcaster David Tanner.The reporter, who interviewed Ronaldo, revealed he got the Real Madrid legend’s autograph when his car came down the road.Tanner also praised Ronaldo for being “charming” to a group of kids that had chased his car for half a mile.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpeaking on X, he said: “I was privileged to get the only interview with #cristianoronaldo at his #realmadrid debut.”I didn’t think it appropriate to get his autograph for my son. I put that right at the Cathcart Rd lights!”#CR7 was charming and also kind to the lads who ran after his car for 1/2 mile!”Ronaldo shared a simple three-word reaction to the Scotland draw following his post-match outburst.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSpeaking on Instagram, he said:  “We continue together.”The ex-Manchester United man holds the men’s record for most international goals with 133 in 216 games.Cristiano Ronaldo spotted on waterslide at Scottish hotel He has started all but one of Portugal’s last 10 games, scoring five goals.But he failed to score in Scotland during an eventful few days in the country.During the game, Ronaldo was also the target of a pitch invader that tried to get a selfie with the star, with little success.The rule-breaker was tackled to the ground by security – but had managed to run almost the full length of the pitch before that.Meanwhile off the field, Ronaldo was filmed enjoying a water slide at the Cameron House in Loch Lomond. More

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      Inside England manager Thomas Tuchel’s amazing rise, from clothes model and barman to Three Lions’ first German boss

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      MOVE over Jack Grealish because Thomas Tuchel ALSO boasts model looks, as this incredible photoshoot shows.The German coach, 51, has been confirmed as the new manager of England – signing an 18-month contract worth £5million-per-year.Before Thomas Tuchel was England manager, he starred in this fashion photoshootCredit: Markus JansTuchel appeared in his first press conference as England manager on WednesdayHe said in a statement: “I am very proud to have been given the honour of leading the England team.”I have long felt a personal connection to the game in this country, and it has given me some incredible moments already.”To have the chance to represent England is a huge privilege, and the opportunity to work with this special and talented group of players is very exciting.”Working closely with Anthony [Barry] as my assistant coach, we will do everything we can to make England successful and the supporters proud.Read more football news”I want to thank the FA, in particular Mark and John, for their trust and I am looking forward to starting our journey together.”Tuchel has enjoyed an incredible rise in the game as a tactician, after his professional football career came to a premature end at 24 through injury.Instead, he worked in a bar in Stuttgart, initially collecting glasses and wiping tables, before graduating to making Mojitos.He juggled his job as a barman while returning to education to do Business Studies.Most read in FootballTuchel, desperate to return to football, contacted ex-Man Utd boss Ralf Rangnick who guided him towards a coaching career. Watch Thomas Tuchel’s awkward reaction when asked why he chose England over Man UtdNo sooner had he established his name in Germany, he starred in a glossy photoshoot for a fashion magazine.FashionistaIn 2017, Tuchel shocked German football by appearing in a ZEITmagazin MANN as a model.His 6ft4in beanpole figure adorned the stylish clothes he wore.One image showed a pensive Tuchel looking into the distance, Zoolander ‘Blue Steel’ style, in a black and white pinstripe whistle.Another picture saw the unlikely mannequin dressed in a long black coat with a white shirt underneath and short cropped black trousers.Studious, moody, and a purveyor of the beautiful game – Tuchel looked the part.In his interview with ZEITmagazin MANN, he spoke about his job at the hipster Radio Bar in Stuttgart.”I don’t want to have drunk the cocktails that I mixed at the beginning,” he laughed.”I slowly developed a new self-confidence in the bar, shift by shift, evening after evening.The shoot shocked German football and showed a different side to TuchelCredit: Markus JansTuchel in action for SSV Ulm in 1996, where he would have to retire as a player”I had overcome the inhibition threshold of asking strangers if they needed me. And suddenly I made the experience: ‘Your colleagues just like you for who you are, they have no idea that you were once a professional footballer.'”Unfinished businessDespite Tuchel’s best efforts of launching himself into academia and being a customer-pleaser in a trendy dive bar, he felt he had unfinished business with football.His retirement in 1998 didn’t diminish the flame burning inside him to succeed in the game in some way.He contacted then-Stuttgart boss Ralf Rangnick, who at the time was head of sport and development at Red Bull GmbH, for a trial with the club’s reserves – believing he was fit to play after nine months without kicking a ball.However, chronic cartilage damage saw Tuchel unable to show his true potential.But Rangnick was impressed with Tuchel’s tactical knowledge. He invited him to shadow coaches in the club academy, until the young student took over the U14 team in 2000.Tuchel now had his foot in the door.Tuchel worked as a barman in Radio Bar as he contemplated what to do nextA career at Stuttgarter Kickers was cut short by a knee injuryread more sport featuresFrom Barman to Bundesliga coach in nine yearsAstonishingly, the ambitious coach went from that Radio Bar job to coaching a Bundesliga side in just nine years.At Stuttgart, under mentor Hermann Badstuber, father of ex-Bayern Munich star Holger, he eventually became assistant coach for the U19s, where he helped the side win the U19 Bundesliga title in 2005.In 2006, he joined FC Augsburg, a team he spent his youth career with as a player.It was a setting that allowed Tuchel to complete his coaching badges and become reserve team manager.Not content there, he moved to Mainz in 2008 to coach their U19 side.He was a resounding success, winning the youth title and nurturing talent that would serve the German national team well in the future, including World Cup winner Andre Schurrle.His work didn’t go unnoticed by the German FA, who offered him the opportunity to coach their U21 side.However, when Mainz boss Jorn Andersen was fired the club turned to Tuchel to take over the reins. He had secured his dream job as a Bundesliga manager.Tuchel became a student of the game at Mainz where he coached the academy starsTuchel’s journey began as a youth coach where he scored success before coaching the first teamMainz won the U19 Bundesliga title under TuchelSuccess storyThose early years of disappointment and hard graft moulded Tuchel into the man he is today.Forever ambitious, his successes were the reason England hired him. Simply, they wanted a coach who has won things.In his first role, he took lowly Mainz to fifth spot and Europa League qualification. The first time the club ever qualified in Europe.At Borussia Dortmund he was handed the tough task of following in Jurgen Klopp’s shoesYoung stars like Christian Pulisic and Ousmane Dembele were nurtured under his watch, which could bode well for lion cubs Kobbie Mainoo, Cole Palmer, and Rico Lewis.Despite winning the German cup, Tuchel was fired after disagreements with the hierarchy three days later in 2017.After his fashion turn in ZEITmagazin MANN, he took on the role of PSG boss – showing he can manage superstars like Neymar and Kylian Mbappe without any major fallouts with players.In his final season with the French club he won the treble. But, after several disagreements with sporting director Leonardo, he was fired again.Chelsea came calling, which ignited Tuchel’s love for the English game.ANDY DILLON: Thomas Tuchel has all the ingredients to become a classic England manager – tactical nous, drive and a tangled love lifeBy Andy DillonTHOMAS TUCHEL possesses all the ingredients to become a classic England manager.Tactical nous, drive, energy, experience – a tangled love life.English football should welcome back the most explosive, dynamic, charismatic and impossibly tall and gangly coach to have lit up the Premier League.Chelsea’s colourful former boss has been leading a settled life in Munich of late.Far enough away from ex-wife Sissi but close enough to see his two daughters.Walking his dog in the streets in the east of Germany’s most fashionable city, residing in the posh Bogenhausen area. Living relatively quietly with his Brazilian girlfriend.Tuchel is a vastly different personality to the man who led England quietly but assuredly to the brink of World Cups and European Championships.An excitable nature can make him hard to handle for those seeking calm and who like to impose their way on a manager they view very much as an underling.Read more on why Tuchel REALLY IS the best man for the England jobSerial winner celebrates winning the German cup with Borussia DortmundDuring his time at PSG, Tuchel was able to handle superstars like Kylian Mbappe and NeymarAs Chelsea boss, Tuchel helped the West London side lift the Champions LeagueTuchel will be reunited with Harry Kane with England after they worked together at Bayern MunichHe brought the West Londoners European glory in his 20-month spell – winning the Champions League.READ MORE SUN STORIESTuchel also delivered the Bundesliga for Bayern Munich in his first season, however he couldn’t repeat the trick in his second campaign.England now have a man who has won things at the highest level at the helm. No excuses now. More

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      Thomas Tuchel: England manager BLOCKED from attending World Cup 2026 qualifying draw

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      THOMAS TUCHEL will be blocked from going to December’s 2026 World Cup qualifying draw.England’s new boss does not officially start work until January 1.Thomas Tuchel has been blocked from going to December’s World Cup qualifying drawCredit: GettySo he will not manage the team in next month’s Nations League matches against Greece and Ireland.Nor will he represent England for the draw in Zurich on December 13.Tuchel’s £10million-a-year contract with Bayern Munich was due to run out next June.His new Three Lions gig means he will lose £5m of that.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFA chief executive Mark Bullingham said: “Thomas had his timescale and it just fitted really well.“What was impressive was his singular focus on us, the World Cup and that project.“It made sense for it to start on January 1 and for Lee Carsley to finish the Nations  League  campaign.”Tuchel’s first taste of match action for England will come in March.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut it is not yet known whether that will be a Nations League play-off, a World Cup qualifier or a friendly.If England top their Nations League group B, they will avoid a play-off, but this will require Carsley to inspire the Three Lions to victory away at Greece and most likely also beat Ireland at Wembley in November.England interviewed ten candidates before appointing Thomas Tuchel, admits FA chief in German’s first press conferenceInside FA’s thrilling chase for TuchelTHE FA’s path to securing Thomas Tuchel’s signature was not a straightforward one.They tried to lure Pep Guardiola from Manchester City over the summer.They even made contact with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after deciding to target trophy-laden foreign gaffers.The FA’s determination to go international was summed up by their decision NOT to interview Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.Initial talks with Tuchel saw him express a slight interest in replacing Gareth Southgate.But he was waiting to see what would happen at Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag’s future under the spotlight.Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe eventually decided to stick with Ten Hag – and that opened the door to the FA getting their man.Read the full story on England’s thrilling pursuit of Thomas Tuchel.Avoiding the play-off will see them involved in either a World Cup qualifier or a friendly, depending on the how the draw in Zurich plays out.Should the Three Lions finish second in their Nations League group, they will be involved in a play-off with a side from a Nations League group A.Warm receptionFormer Chelsea gaffer Tuchel has been warmly received by most England fans following yesterday’s announcement.But the German hopes to win over any remaining doubters by proving his passion for the Three Lions on the pitch.Tuchel said: “I am sorry I have a German passport!”But I can tell the supporters I have felt my passion for the Premier League and my passion for the country and how I love to live here and work here.”Hopefully I can convince them and show them and prove to them I am proud to be the English manager.”The ex-Bayern Munich, PSG and Borussia Dortmund manager also revealed he is yet to decide whether he will sing God Save the King.Tuchel added: “I understood from Mark it is a personal decision if you sing it. Some managers did it and others did not.”I have not made my decision. Your anthem is very moving, I experienced it several times at Wembley and in cup finals.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Whatever decision I make, I will always show my respect to my new role, the country and a moving anthem.”As it is a new subject, I will take a little bit of time.”Southgate vs Tuchel records comparedTHOMAS TUCHELAugsburg II 2007-2008P34 W 20 D8 L6 Win percentage: 58.82%Mainz 05 2009-2014P184 W72 D46 L66 Win percentage: 39.13%Borussia Dortmund 2015-2017P107 W67 D23 L17 Win percentage: 62.62%Honours: DFB Pokal Paris Saint Germain 2018-2020P127 W95 D13 L16 Win percentage: 74.8%Honours: Ligue 1 X2, Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, Trophee des Champions x2Chelsea 2021-2022P100 W60 D24 L16 Win percentage: 60%Honours: Champions League, Super Cup, Club World CupBayern Munich 2023-2024P61 W37 D8 L16 Win percentage: 60.66%Honours: BundesligaGARETH SOUTHGATEMiddlesbrough 2006-2009P151 W54 D43 Win percentage: 35.76%England U21 2013-2016P37 W27 D5 L5 Win percentage: 72.97%Honours: Toulon tournamentEngland 2016-2024P102 W61 D24 L17 Win percentage: 59.8%Honours: Euros runners up, 2020, 2024 More

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      I’m a former Premier League star – now I live a new life as an interior designer

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      MANY Premier League stars stay in the sport after they hang up their boots.But one former Leeds defender has taken a unique route into interior design.The former Leeds and Real Madrid man, left, is now an interior designerCredit: Instagram @raulbravo15He played five Premier League games for LeedsCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe Spaniard, 43, enjoyed two decades as a professional, racking up more than 300 appearances for club and country.As well as his loan at Leeds, he played for the likes of Real Madrid, Olympiacos and Rayo Vallecano.He also featured in every minute of Spain’s Euro 2004 campaign.Now, two years after playing, the ex-centre-back and left-back has revealed his switch to interior design.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe man in question is Raul Bravo.Speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post, he said: “When I hung up my boots I said to myself: ‘What do I do now?’ When you stop playing football, the first year is very complicated.”You don’t even know where you are. A very bad feeling. It happens to all players.”I liked decorating houses, thinking about them and designing them. But when a client came they asked me where I had studied and what training I had. I told them: ‘Nowhere.’ It was complicated.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRaul Bravo won two LaLiga titles and a Champions League at Real MadridCredit: Getty Images – Getty”With the money I had saved I bought several houses and decorated them my way, with my ideas and my inspiration. I renovated them and then made my catalogue and uploaded it to my Instagram.”It must be that people liked it because I started selling them. I have cool work. It’s my calling card as a decorator and interior designer.”Watch mortified Real Madrid legend Marcelo cover his face in embarrassment as son, 9, nutmegs him with outrageous skillBravo played just five Premier League games for Leeds and six in all competitions during his six-month stint in England.He fell out of favour when manager Terry Venables was replaced by Peter Reid.He returned to Real Madrid and played 53 times in the 2003/04 season, leaving the Bernabeu in 2007 with two LaLiga titles and a Champions League to his name.Bravo also went on to win three Greek league titles with Olympiacos. More

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      David Beckham reveals how Sir Alex Ferguson helped bring Lionel Messi to Inter Miami

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      DAVID BECKHAM has revealed how Sir Alex Ferguson helped bring Lionel Messi to Inter Miami.The England and Manchester United icon is still a major figure in football, 11 years after hanging up his boots.David Beckham has lifted the lid on Lionel Messi’s move to Inter MiamiCredit: instagramBecks revealed Sir Alex Ferguson played a part in the Argentine’s MLS moveCredit: ReutersBeckham co-founded Inter Miami in 2018 with American billionaire businessman Jorge Mas.Now president, he has helped the Florida-based side top the Eastern Conference standings.And they now face an MLS Cup final against either LA Galaxy or LAFC next month.Miami’s success on the pitch has been down to Beckham’s savvy signings of ex-Barcelona stars Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Luis Suarez and World Cup winner Messi.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe latter is still in fine form at the age of 37, with 19 goals in 21 games this year.And Becks has now lifted the lid on his plan to bring Messi to America.The ace looked set to re-join Barcelona when he quit Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2023.But Beckham has revealed that some key advice from old boss Sir Alex played a crucial part in winning the race for Messi’s signature.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe told the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast: “A lot has changed over the years [with the MLS] and I feel very proud that I’ve been part of that change, but I know that there’s still a lot of work to do, but I think what we’ve done in Miami, when you bring someone like Leo to America, I always said that it was our gift.”As an ownership group and as a person that owns the club, I wanted to do something for the game, but I also wanted to do something for America because they’ve given me so much over the years and they’ve given me so much love that to bring Leo to inspire the next generation of players in America, that’s what we wanted to do.David Beckham is BOOED by 40,000 angry fans who demand refund after Lionel Messi no-show Beckham spilled the beans on Rio Ferdinand’s podcastCredit: X @rioferdy5Golden Balls also gave his backing to Sir Jim RatcliffeCredit: PABecks also took time to hail free-kick expert Trent Alexander-ArnoldCredit: Getty”I think that one of the things that I learned from the boss over the years, and it wasn’t something that he specifically told me, one of the things that I learned from the boss was it’s not about bringing the biggest and best players, it’s about bringing the right players.”If you can bring the biggest and best players that is the right player, then there’s not many of them around, but with Leo, what we knew that we were bringing and I knew that yes he was going to be successful on the field but I also knew that he was going to help our club off the field.”Meanwhile, Becks has given his backing to Sir Jim Ratcliffe to turn old club United into a lean and mean machine.He continued: “I think that it definitely needed change. Speaking as a United fan, I think that many people had said that the club needed change and it needed a fresh perspective in how this club needs to be run and the decisions that are made.”I really like Jim. I’ve met him a few times over the years with a few mutual friends and I think that he’s a fan and obviously he’s a great businessman as well, one of the best and one of the biggest. But I think more importantly the fans see that he cares, and I think that that’s a big part of it.”I think obviously the fans had lost faith with the leadership over the years and obviously he really cares about what he wants to do and what he wants to create. So, hopefully, things will change but these things take time. These things take time.”I think we have been quite patient as United fans over the years, but we want those good old days back. We want those days back, and the sooner the better.”Finally, Becks also sang the praises of England free-kick hero Trent Alexander-Arnold – even admitting the defender’s right foot is almost as good as his!Beckham added: “I suppose if there was one player where I look at and I think, ‘he’s very similar in the way he delivers the ball, he’s very similar in the way he crosses the ball or passes’, it has to be Trent.READ MORE SUN STORIES”In all honesty, I think he’s an unbelievable [player] – his vision, he’s unbelievable. And he’s an exceptional player.“But when I look at a player and I think I see myself in the way he puts the ball in, what he sees in the long balls that he plays, you know he plays balls that some players don’t even think about and that’s what I love about him as a player.” More

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      Harvey Higgins, 15, is Blackburn wonderkid compared to Jamie Vardy who has an astonishing 100m record

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      BLACKBURN fans are wondering whether Harvey Higgins is the latest in a line of academy products to make it all the way to the Premier League.There are hopes the 15-year-old will follow in the footsteps of Adam Wharton and David Raya in starting their journeys to stardom at Ewood Park.Harvey Higgins has been tipped to be a future starCredit: Instagram @ harvey_higgins7The Blackburn star has signed a deal with sportswear giant PumaHe has been compared to Jamie VardyCredit: GettyPLAYING STYLESpeak to people connected to the kid and there are early comparisons in the style of play to Jamie Vardy, Leicester’s irrepressible centre forward who is still going strong at 37.Higgins loves to chase a ball from over his shoulder and run on before unleashing his strength and finishing ability.He has scored 12 goals in his last six games for Championship Rovers’ Under-16s. They include two against Manchester United, hat-tricks against Derby and Wolves and one in a game against Liverpool.He has already trained with the Under-21s yet is still in his GCSE year at school.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBeing powerfully built and 6ft 2in he does not share Vardy’s more waspish physique but instead resembles more a young Erling Haaland.But even those close to this hot prospect say there is much work to be done before genuine comparisons can be made.Nonetheless, he is making his presence felt at Ewood Park, and elsewhere. Higgins already has a commercial contract with sportswear giants Puma and is attracting interest from the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea.Most read in FootballRISE TO THE TOPHarvey comes from a grounded family. He played for his school, district, and county team but that is being reduced now as his hopes of a professional career blossom.Being so strongly built, he looks a lot older than his years. He previously trialled at Manchester United, Liverpool and Man City at Under-7s but is now a young jewel in Blackburn’s crown.Is Man Utd star Harry Amass the next Luke Shaw?WHAT ARE THE EXPERTS SAYING?There are some at Rovers who prefer to keep quiet about Higgins because he is still so young and very much a work in progress.However, it is hard to keep stats like his goals under wraps and the fact that he has previously been clocked running the 100m in 11.01 seconds. Lightning for a young footballer.NEXT 12 MONTHSHe is too young to loan so steady and accelerated progress through the youth ranks if all goes well and Higgins continues to meet the challenges being set for him at Rovers. There is even hope that by the end of this season he may even be granted a first-team debut, even if just for a few minutes, to raise his head above the parapet and be seen by football at large. More